How to keep possession: Be forward-thinking

It's analysed every 10 minutes during televised games, used to gauge how well a team are performing and is (supposedly) nine-thenths of the law. Whatever your views on possession, one thing is for sure - it's pretty important.

In any match, both teams will always get the ball - the difficulty is in keeping it.

More after the break

Coming through the ranks at Arsenal during the Wenger era, Jack Wilshere has grown up with an unwavering appreciation of possession of the ball; specifically keeping it and using it effectively.

After a breakthrough 09/10 season, Jack Wilshere has become an integral part of the Arsenal and England midfield, combining box-to-box play with intricate footwork to great effect.

Here he talks about the importance of being positive with the ball in order to keep it...